Photo ©2011 and Commentary ©2026 by Chuck Davis
Monday, May 4, 2026
I chose today’s image as a parable demonstrating the importance of flexibility in our walk with God. Abraham left his home to go to a far land; he had no map but trusted God to be his polestar.
Paul talks about the need for flexibility: “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some ” (1 Corinthians 9:22 NIV).
Over time, the Pharisees became rigid in their relationship to God, developing over 600 rules about Sabbath keeping. Jesus taught us differently: “Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27 NIV).
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV).
The tree in our photo survived because of its flexibility. Deep snows caused it to bow its head each winter for several years in a row. Each spring, it found the sky. Eventually, the tree overcame the brutality of winter. Like this tree, the perils of the world may bend us, but keep your eyes on Him and grow to His light. Remember that He is not willing for any of us to perish, so in the darkest night keep your eyes on Him. He will light your way.